Chapter 14

Thea glanced at the man who had spoken, surprised.

Darwin introduced him and said, "This is Marcus Compton, the chairman of Chilworthy Enterprise,"

Thea bit her lip. "Mr. Compton, you're mistaken. I was responsible for managing the data, but I didn't sell it. The leak was due to my poor oversight, not Mr. Hendrix's fault."

Nicolas's expression softened. He looked up at her and said, "I brought you here to tell you two things. First, the disciplinary file on you from headquarters is confidential. As for the rumors that everyone in the company has a copy, you should investigate that yourself. "Second, after giving it some thought, I've decided to suspend you temporarily. Can you accept that?"

Thea was taken aback, feeling a lump in her throat. It wasn't because she felt wronged; it was that she hadn't expected Nicolas to remain calm and not make things unbearable for her out of anger.

"Thank you, Mr. Hendrix," she said earnestly.

Nicolas then gestured toward Marcus. "The buyer's right here. If you have more questions, you can ask him directly."

Marcus's eyes widened slightly. "Why ask me? I don't know anything. My people handled it. I just know the information was sold to me, and why wouldn't I take it?"

He flashed a mischievous grin at Nicolas. "It's rare to see you take a hit. I couldn't

pass up the chance."

her composure, Thea sat down next to Marcus and gave a small smile. "Mr. Compton, maybe you don't know the details, but you must know which of your people contacted the person pretending to be me."

benefit for me?"

the data. If I say you were the buyer, who do you think they'll believe? Helping me clear

his lips curling into a slight smile. "She just

threw down his business card and stormed

even waving Marcus off with a sly

her, Nicolas couldn't help but be amused. "You provoked Marcus in my name. Do you think

maybe because you value my work. But I won't let you down." Nicolas's expression softened, and he said with a half smile, "If that idiot Jake had really married you, I might have actually thought better of him.

was shocked to find her belongings scattered outside, her former office completely changed.

as she was taking it all in, someone bumped into her shoulder hard. "You've got some nerve showing up here," the person spat, rolling their eyes. "Do you realize we've all been stuck working overtime because of you? I don't know how yo can be so thick-skinned" Before Thea could respond, Madelyn's soft voice came from behind. "Don't be so harsh on her," she said, making her way through the crowd like a

she regrets everything. Let's not make it

I'm willing to give you a chance, Thea. You can stay on as

pick up her things. Don't celebrate too soon, Madelyn. Just because you clawed your way into this position with dirty tricks doesn't

- within a month, you'll be out of this office. Maybe I won't be

don't know yet, but headquarters issued a new rule yesterday. There'll be performance evaluations every two weeks, and the top three will

why the rules had changed, but the look of discomfort on Madelyn's face made Thea

sucking up to Madelyn now eyed her with a new, more calculating gaze. Madelyn narrowed her eyes, and tears began to well up as if she

the commotion, Jake rushed over and subtly positioned himself in front of Madelyn, shielding

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